Hydrolipo: how it is done, risks and indications for surgery

Although the name is not so familiar, hydrolipo is actually a “minor liposuction”, usually performed under local anesthesia. Newton Roldão, plastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, explains that hidrolipo is just a generic name for liposuction with infiltration of liquids. “Actually, this liquid is saline solution to which adrenaline and xylocaine are added as an anesthetic,” he says.

“To perform the hydrolipo, an area of ​​approximately 20 x 20 cm is marked on the patient’s body. It is infiltrated with saline and anesthetics and aspiration is performed with a syringe or vacuum lipoaspirator”, explains Roldão, adding that the surgery can be performed on any part of the body and lasts an average of 50 minutes.

Difference between hydrolipo and liposuction

Roldão points out that hidrolipo is a liposuction of small volumes, performed in an office or appropriate clinic, with only local anesthesia, without the patient being submitted to sedation.

Liposuction, highlights Roldão, is performed in a hospital environment, is a larger volume surgery, and has some anesthesia that makes the patient sleep.

Marco Cassol, plastic surgeon, member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, points out that hydrolipo is done with local anesthesia, while liposuction is usually done with epidural anesthesia, and can be done with general anesthesia as well.

Who is it for?

The hidrolipo, highlights Cassol, is indicated for patients who have a small localized fat and who do not have several areas to be liposuctioned. Roldão adds that hidrolipo can also be indicated for minor revisions of the result after larger lipos.

On the other hand, hidrolipo is not indicated for that patient who needs to do 10 to 12 sessions of hidrolipo, as highlighted by Cassol. “This type of patient benefits more, the cost is much more affordable, and he will have a better recovery with a single procedure, which is liposuction”, he explains.

How it works

The hidrolipo is done as if it were a liposuction, but in a small area. “An infiltration of a vasoconstrictor solution is performed, to have less bleeding, and then that region is aspirated. We usually put this solution together with the local anesthetic”, explains Cassol.

The surgery, Cassol points out, is faster than normal liposuction and takes around an hour.

The most sought after regions to perform hydrolipo are, according to plastic surgeon Cassol:

• Abdomen
• flanks
• Back
• culotte
• inner thigh region
• double chin
• armpits
• Arms
• pubic region

The preparation for hydrolipo, explains Cassol, is done in the form of small surgeries, with local anesthesia and removal of the signal. “An antisepsis is performed, sterile drapes are placed, then we make a small hole and in this hole we infiltrate the vasoconstrictor solution with adrenaline and anesthetic. Once that is done, we vacuum the desired area,” he says.

Still in relation to the preoperative period, Roldão explains that blood count and coagulogram are requested as prior exams. “However, on the date of the intervention, there is no need for prior preparation or fasting.”, he says.

hydrolip results

A common question is: from what moment can the results of the hydrolipo be observed?

According to Cassol, the results appear soon. “However, as it is a surgical procedure, as soon as the surgery is over, the region becomes swollen, because inside it there is an infiltration of liquids – interstitial liquids”, he says.

And after the surgery, Cassol points out, it is important to perform post-operative lymphatic drainage and use a mesh. Roldão points out that, as in any liposuction, it takes up to 90 days to have a definitive result.

Average price

A hydrolipo usually costs between R$1,500 to R$5,000, depending a lot on the particularities of the surgery, as well as the city and clinic where it will be performed.

“The price depends a little on the area in which it will be performed, it depends on the place where the hydrolipo will be performed, on the doctor who will perform the surgery, so the price varies a lot”, highlights plastic surgeon Cassol.

Risks and precautions

Because it is a minor surgery, people tend to think that hydrolipo can be performed without so much care. But this is a misconception.

Plastic surgeon Roldão points out that hydrolipo offers basically the same risks as traditional liposuction. From irregularities to area infection. “Everything totally depends on the chosen professional, who must know how to treat any intercurrence.”, he warns.

Cassol points out that hydrolipo has risks like any other surgical procedure. “Sometimes, doctors who are not plastic surgeons do the hydrolipo in the offices and end up doing very large hydrolipos in places that do not have cardiac monitoring, where you cannot see the oximetry… Finally, in places where you do not have the necessary security ( that you have in the operating room). So, when well indicated and well performed, hydrolipo is a safe procedure”, he highlights.

Post-operative care

Marco Cassol highlights as main guidelines for the post-operative period of hydrolipo:

• lymphatic drainages
• mesh usage
• Use of a roller to massage in the intervals between lymphatic drainages;
• Following an anti-inflammatory diet after the procedure (which helps prevent further swelling)

Roldão adds that, after hydrolipo, rest is recommended for 48 hours. “Then, the patient can return to daily activities, except to practice physical exercise (which should only be done after 15 days)”, he concludes.

Now you know that, although it is a minor surgery, hydrolipo must be performed by a trained professional who will even give you all the guidelines on preparation and post-op. Learn about the different types of liposuction.